Riser+: Austin Chapter Kickoff Event – A Night of Connection, Inspiration, and Growth
- Matticus Lowery
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 7
Last night, the Austin professional community gathered for a spectacular evening of networking and inspiration at The Cauldron for the Riser+: Austin Chapter Kickoff Event. This exclusive social brought together an incredible mix of professionals from various industries, fostering new relationships, exchanging ideas, and creating a thriving network of ambitious individuals.
A Night of Meaningful Connections
As soon as you walked into The Cauldron, you could feel the energy in the room—an electric buzz of conversation, excitement, and possibility. The venue, known for its cozy yet upscale atmosphere, was the perfect backdrop for this second Riser+ event of the year. Attendees came from all walks of life—tech entrepreneurs, creatives, business professionals, and industry leaders—all eager to expand their circles and engage with like-minded individuals.
What set this event apart from your typical networking mixer was the curated experience. Unlike the usual awkward exchanges of business cards and surface-level conversations, Riser+ has built an intentional format that encourages deep, meaningful discussions. Throughout the evening, attendees engaged in guided conversations, sharing their aspirations, experiences, and insights on how to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
The Power of Danielle Gertner’s Message
One of the highlights of the evening was the powerful guest speaker, Danielle Gertner, a dynamic empowerment coach and speaker whose motto is: "Own your sh*t, own your life." From the moment she took the stage, she commanded the room with her presence, delivering an inspiring talk that challenged everyone to take accountability for their growth, choices, and success.
Gertner’s message was clear—if you want to achieve greatness, you must first own every aspect of your journey. She spoke about the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, embracing failures as stepping stones, and showing up as the most authentic version of yourself in both personal and professional spaces.
Her speech resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations long after she left the stage. People shared how her words encouraged them to take bolder risks, redefine their personal goals, and embrace their true potential. This wasn’t just another motivational speech; it was a call to action, and everyone in the room felt it.
Drinks, Laughter, and New Connections
As the night went on, glasses clinked, laughter filled the air, and conversations flourished. The open bar kept the drinks flowing, adding a relaxed, celebratory vibe to the evening. Whether it was over a craft cocktail or a simple whiskey on the rocks, attendees bonded over shared experiences, industry insights, and aspirations for the future.
One of the most exciting aspects of the event was seeing people from different industries finding common ground. A tech startup founder brainstorming marketing strategies with a fitness entrepreneur, a real estate investor connecting with a nonprofit leader—these are the kinds of organic, valuable connections that make events like this so impactful.
Even those who walked in not knowing a single person left with valuable contacts, newfound friends, and potential collaborators. The structured networking opportunities ensured that everyone had a chance to engage and be heard, making the event both productive and enjoyable.
Meeting the Team Behind Gorg! Wellness & Aesthetics
Among the many inspiring entrepreneurs at the event, one team in particular stood out—the incredible founders of Gorg! Wellness & Aesthetics. I had the privilege of meeting Andrew Moniz, RN; Courtney Morse, DNP, APRN; William Cass Valdes, Client Relations Manager; and Jeremy Impellizeri, Brand Manager. Their passion for wellness, inclusivity, and helping people feel their best was truly inspiring.
Founded in 2023, Gorg! is not your typical medspa—it’s a movement aimed at making "medical cosmetic and wellness services fun, accessible, and welcoming for all." Too often, medspa experiences can feel intimidating or overly clinical, but Gorg! is changing the game with its inclusive, community-driven approach. Their goal? To help everyone feel refreshed, confident, and age-defying—inside and out!
What stood out the most about Gorg! was its commitment to inclusivity and giving back to the community. As an LGBTQ+ and Veteran-owned business, the team is dedicated to making health and beauty services accessible to everyone, regardless of background. They don’t just wait for clients to come to them—they actively bring the medspa experience out into the community, hosting and partnering at events all around Austin.
Hearing their story and passion firsthand made it clear that Gorg! is more than a business—it’s a brand with a mission to empower people to embrace their best selves in an environment that feels welcoming and fun. If you’re looking for a place that genuinely cares about your well-being, where you can feel comfortable and even enjoy the process, Gorg! is the place to be.
Book your appointment today and let them know that Matticus sent you!
Why Riser+ is Changing the Networking Game
Riser+ isn’t just another networking group—it’s a movement designed to revolutionize how people connect and grow. The organization’s approach to focused, intimate gatherings ensures that every event is packed with value, from skill-building activities to expert insights.
The Austin Chapter Kickoff event showcased exactly why Riser+ is quickly becoming a game-changer in professional networking. Unlike larger, impersonal meetups, these events foster genuine engagement, meaningful conversations, and lasting professional relationships.
With a mission to empower professionals to build a thriving community of success-minded individuals, Riser+ is creating spaces where people don’t just exchange business cards—they exchange knowledge, support, and opportunities.
Looking Forward to the Next Event
If last night was any indication of what’s to come, the next Riser+ event is not to be missed. The energy, the people, and the impact made this one of the most valuable networking experiences in Austin. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional circle, gain insights from industry leaders, or simply be part of a community that values growth and collaboration, Riser+ is where you need to be.
And if you’re looking to refresh your confidence and embrace a Gorg!-eous new you, I highly recommend checking out Gorg! Wellness & Aesthetics. Their team is setting a new standard in wellness and beauty, and I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and make an impact in Austin.
We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next gathering. If you missed this one, make sure to mark your calendar for the next Riser+ event—you won’t regret it.
Until then, let’s take Danielle Gertner’s advice to heart: Own your sh*t. Own your life. See you at the next Riser+ event!